Friday, September 12, 2008

Just Call Me Max Freedom

So when Elisa asked me to write this, she requested I not be critical of ORMF as I have in the past been of certain aspects of KDVS. I told her not to worry. The worst criticism I can make is that Operation Restore Maximum Freedom is unfortunately named. Max Freedom is the KDVS music festival and it happens once or twice a year. It is among my favorite Davis events along with Picnic Day and one is coming up October eleventh.

As you might expect of KDVS, ORMF is intensely eclectic and unless you're a part of the local music scene you won't recognize any of the names on the roster. This works to the festival's advantage. Coachella this is not.

As any veteran will attest, Coachella is a stressful experience. This is because people usually only go to see one or two of the bands playing and because large music festivals are crowded and expensive.

Not so with ORMF. You can sit as close to the stage as you like and there are picnic benches and grass for sitting. The festival takes place in the backyard of a bar called Plainview Station, so good burgers and pitchers of beer are readily available and reasonably priced. I'm stoked to be of drinking age this time.

The bands are the handpicked favorites of KDVS staff, so anyone who comes with an open mind will be delighted and satisfied with the selection. Not necessarily every band, mind you, but the ambiance has a way of making uncommon music friendly. As with any KDVS outlet, you're liable to come away with a broader appreciation for music than you had going in.

You can hop on the shuttle or bike the five miles to Plainview Station en masse with fellow festival goers. Just bring a picnic blanket and a little money and drop by.

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